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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Avoiding the paved road leaving St Jean?

MarkA

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances 2019
del Norte+Ingles 2022
Brierley (15th ed) describes an alternative way to join the Route de Napoleon (from St Jean Pied de Port). By taking the GR65 from Mayorga and re-joining the Route de Napoleon at Orisson its possible to avoid the hard asphalt roads. This sounds attractive except that perhaps its more "fun" to stick to the main route with the other pilgrims? Has anyone taken this alternative route who can comment please?
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

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Hi, and welcome!

You might be walking slowly enough up to Orisson, that the hard road surface will be the least of your concerns! It is brisk striking of my foot on the hard roads that makes my feet sore after a time. That doesn't happen when I'm trudging slowly up a hill. (Of course you will be tired and sore but the asphalt road isn't such a problem.)

I'd say it's more fun with the other pilgrims on that stretch, anyway.
 
Agree with @C clearly , unless you're an absolute mountain goat the walk out of St. Jean will be sufficiently slow that the tarmac will not be an issue.

Apart from a brief section where you can cut a corner by going cross country, which if memory serves is detailed in the sheet given out at the pilgrim office, I didn't know there was any other alternative for getting up to Orisson, but my knowledge is far from exhaustive. Looking at google maps it appears the area is riddled with streams so I imagine in all but high summer it might be rather a muddy affair.

Whichever way you go.....Buen Camino,

Rob.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Brierley (15th ed) describes an alternative way to join the Route de Napoleon (from St Jean Pied de Port). By taking the GR65 from Mayorga and re-joining the Route de Napoleon at Orisson ...

It's an old variant of the GR 65 (dashed line - brown) as it leaves SJPP from rue Mayorga. It is not maintained and there are no trailmarkers. The main GR 65 track (dotted line - yellow) follows the D428. I don't think you gain much, if anything at all, if you try to follow the unmarked variant. It covers only the section SJPP-Orisson anyway and you would bypass Orisson as shown in Brierley's drawing (he doesn't do maps). Topographic map at https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/carte

GR65.JPG
 
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Here's a map. For the first half or so, the track follows small country roads, also paved. Later, it gets trickier and you have to cross streams. No idea how much ups and downs it adds to your path, compared to the Napoleon route. Looks nice in Google Streetview. I'd attempt it if I stayed in SJPP for longer to go for walks. But only in good weather and with a proper map. :cool:

IGN 65.jpg
 
If it were me I would definitely go astray and get lost. It may be the path that the elderly German couple were following last year when they got lost for a couple of days. Or the one followed by Paulo Coelho?
 
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The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
If it were me I would definitely go astray and get lost. It may be the path that the elderly German couple were following last year when they got lost for a couple of days. Or the one followed by Paulo Coelho?
They were British and got lost elsewhere, on the other side of the valley. Didn't Sartre get lost when he and Simone de Beauvoir came for a vacation to SJPP? And another Camino author walked in circles for a whole day and ended up in SJPP again instead of Roncesvalles - Jack Hitt perhaps? Those were the days ... don't try to relive it, people :cool:, follow the well-trodden path, there are too many other tracks in the area and some just peter out in the middle of nowhere .
 
I drove to and from Orisson on different routes this August, whilst playing tourist with my wife. All of the routes I encountered were paved.

Most of the routes are narrow access roads for the few residents and farmers who need to get someplace.

I doubt there are unpaved paths that are as direct as the customary route. If there were, IMHO, pilgrims would have exploited them centuries ago...

Hope this helps.
 
If it were me I would definitely go astray and get lost. It may be the path that the elderly German couple were following last year when they got lost for a couple of days. Or the one followed by Paulo Coelho?
Kanga, you "like" to get lost? I nearly go into "freakout mode" when I get lost! I guess I'm not very adventurous after all. :)
 
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Thanks all, especially Kathar1na for the hand-drawn map.

Given that I've investigated the alternative route, I'm now more inclined to try it, even if out of sheer bloody-mindedness :). I use a GPS navigation App so I'm unlikely to get too far lost but I may get prematurely muddy shoes! I'm an experienced wilderness hiker so the only things that really concern me on the Camino are (a) snow in the Pyrenees and (b) badly-behaved dogs.
 
Thanks all, especially Kathar1na for the hand-drawn map.

Given that I've investigated the alternative route, I'm now more inclined to try it, even if out of sheer bloody-mindedness :). I use a GPS navigation App so I'm unlikely to get too far lost but I may get prematurely muddy shoes! I'm an experienced wilderness hiker so the only things that really concern me on the Camino are (a) snow in the Pyrenees and (b) badly-behaved dogs.

Good for you. Please report back.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Thanks all, especially Kathar1na for the hand-drawn map.

Given that I've investigated the alternative route, I'm now more inclined to try it, even if out of sheer bloody-mindedness :). I use a GPS navigation App so I'm unlikely to get too far lost but I may get prematurely muddy shoes! I'm an experienced wilderness hiker so the only things that really concern me on the Camino are (a) snow in the Pyrenees and (b) badly-behaved dogs.

Bear in mind it can get very foggy out there, even in high Summer :) B98FD30E-6D71-458C-BEC4-145EAB9C8712.jpeg
 
I'm an experienced wilderness hiker so the only things that really concern me on the Camino are (a) snow in the Pyrenees and (b) badly-behaved dogs.
Yes, please do report back. Out of curiosity, I made a quick elevation profile in Google Earth. It's not much longer than the normal track, it gets a bit steep for about 1 km towards the end. The first part is marked as a short local walking path btw. It looks quite nice and scenic from my point of view far away. You will miss out on a lot of "Buen Caminos" though :cool:. When are you planning to go? There are times when the road is crawling with walkers.
 
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I won't be doing this until "the opening" of the 2019 season, mainly to avoid the crowds. As a wilderness walker, its the rural environment that appeals to me.

Obviously, whether or not I attempt this little side deviation will depend on the Route de Napoleon being open higher up the range...
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Oui il existe un autre chemin qui est plus ancien que le chemin actuel. Il part de St Michel avec très peu d'asphalte il rejoint la "route Napoléon " à la vierge de Biakori. Notre association l'a balisé. Par ce chemin la montée est plus progressive. Il figurera dans certains guides en 2019.

Google Translation:

Yes, there is another path that is older than the current path. He leaves St Michel with very little asphalt he joins the "Napoleon road" to the virgin of Biakori. Our association has tagged it. By this way the rise is more progressive. It will appear in some guides in 2019. Moderator
 
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Kanga, you "like" to get lost? I nearly go into "freakout mode" when I get lost! I guess I'm not very adventurous after all. :)
I read Kanga's post as saying that she would likely get lost without the arrows and other pilgrims, not that she likes to get lost. Though that can sometimes be fun. :)
 
I read Kanga's post as saying that she would likely get lost without the arrows and other pilgrims, not that she likes to get lost. Though that can sometimes be fun. :)
I believe you are correct! I got a good laugh when I re-read Kanga's post again. I didn't think that sounded like her! But then, some people thrive on a new adrenalin rush, so who knew?
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
@MarkA, as you have probably seen in a previous message, there is another possible approach on the other side of the D428 road ("route Napoleon") that goes through the village of Saint Michel. Apparently, the Camino association of SJPP has recently marked the trail and it is included in some of the guidebooks for 2019. It joins the D428 near a place called Vierge d'Orisson or Vierge de Baikorri.

Such a trail is also marked in the topographic IGN maps but I'm not sure whether it's the same one.
 
I suppose this alternative way is the same of this wikiloc map. Looks good...
The Biakorri virgin (where it merges with the Napolleon) is the 8th flag.
Saint Michel seems (judging by Google Maps) a very pleasant and quiet Basque village. It has a restaurant and hotel, with a nice terrace. It could be handy for people afraid of the single stage SJPP-Roncesvalles.
Alternatives are always welcomed.
 
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It could be handy for people afraid of the single stage SJPP-Roncesvalles.
Let's not give people false hopes prematurely. That Wikiloc trail goes still up to 1400 m and is 26 km long, starting in Saint-Michel. It has basically the same length as the one starting in SJPP, reaches obviously the same altitude at the pass, and its starting point Saint-Michel is only some 50 m higher than SJPP.
 
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Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Brierley (15th ed) describes an alternative way to join the Route de Napoleon (from St Jean Pied de Port). By taking the GR65 from Mayorga and re-joining the Route de Napoleon at Orisson its possible to avoid the hard asphalt roads. This sounds attractive except that perhaps its more "fun" to stick to the main route with the other pilgrims? Has anyone taken this alternative route who can comment please?
Hey Mark,

In all honesty, the only way to improve on thew tried and true road path to Orisson would be to do the trip in a self propelled helicopter, if that ever becomes possible.
 
the only things that really concern me on the Camino are (a) snow in the Pyrenees and (b) badly-behaved dogs.

If there is snow then more than likely the pass is closed [ 4 months min. per year......no trespass]
The dogs are going to be the least of your problems.
To "Orisson" is a very leisurely walk compared to a few days ahead
 
I suppose this alternative way is the same of this wikiloc map. Looks good...
The Biakorri virgin (where it merges with the Napolleon) is the 8th flag.
Saint Michel seems (judging by Google Maps) a very pleasant and quiet Basque village. It has a restaurant and hotel, with a nice terrace. It could be handy for people afraid of the single stage SJPP-Roncesvalles.
Alternatives are always welcomed.
Hi Felipe - The diversion cited in Brierly
I suppose this alternative way is the same of this wikiloc map. Looks good...
The Biakorri virgin (where it merges with the Napolleon) is the 8th flag.
Saint Michel seems (judging by Google Maps) a very pleasant and quiet Basque village. It has a restaurant and hotel, with a nice terrace. It could be handy for people afraid of the single stage SJPP-Roncesvalles.
Alternatives are always welcomed.
Hi FelipeBy taking the GR65 from Mayorga and re-joining the Route de Napoleon at Orisson
I suppose this alternative way is the same of this wikiloc map. Looks good...
The Biakorri virgin (where it merges with the Napolleon) is the 8th flag.
Saint Michel seems (judging by Google Maps) a very pleasant and quiet Basque village. It has a restaurant and hotel, with a nice terrace. It could be handy for people afraid of the single stage SJPP-Roncesvalles.
Alternatives are always welcomed.
Thanks Felipe - the diversion (recommended by Brierly) that I was investigating in my original post is shorter and simpler than the St Michel route. It "tak[es]the GR65 from Mayorga and re-join the Route de Napoleon at Orisson". Its simply a hamlet (Curutchamendy) on the outskirts of St Jean. I use Wikiloc and I'm searching through all the saved trails because its likely that other people have taken this diversion (unfortunately there are soooo many saved trails on Wikiloc!!!!). I suppose if its foggy then there's no point in taking this diversion anyway... Cheers
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Sorry all - don't understand what's happened to my post above. I'm an unwilling participant in this world of social media.

Moderator edit: Aren't we all, aren't we all... Should be alright now ;0)
 
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Sorry all - don't understand what's happened to my post above. I'm an unwilling participant in this world of social media.
You can edit your own post by clicking on "Edit" below your text. Then select/highlight the text that is crossed-out, and click on the "strike through" symbol in the bar above your post, to turn it off. Somehow, you inadvertently must have clicked on it when you were typing. Just like bolding or italicising text.
 
I with Domigee on this one. The attached photo is from my camino in September of 2017. This is the view looking west on the Napoleon Route, which is where the GR65 is located. As Domigee picture points out, yes it is foggy, but you do have the paved road to guide you. Also, I believe according to Brierley's book (I don't have it front of me), if you do the GR 65 Route, he recommends buying the detailed map and experienced hikers are only to do this. I think he also means to take along a compass, etc.

Good Luck
Buen Camino

MarkIMG_20170919_081156031_HDR.jpg
 
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St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
if you do the GR 65 Route,
You stop for lunch in St JPP and you have a beautiful night in Valcarlos in a Casa Rural.
There is no need for a view Mark after you commence in Le Puy.
 
I suggest staying on the Route de Napoleon from St Jean Pied de Port. There is very little, if any, car traffic on the road.

There are several other places on the Camino that I would suggest doing alternate routes such as avoiding the road through the industrial area when entering Burgos. The Mesete also has several alternate routes that you may want to consider.

-Paul
 
You might be walking slowly enough up to Orisson, that the hard road surface will be the least of your concerns! It is brisk striking of my foot on the hard roads that makes my feet sore after a time. That doesn't happen when I'm trudging slowly up a hill. (Of course you will be tired and sore but the asphalt road isn't such a problem.).
I never noticed this before you wrote this, but it's so true. I had a horrible time on the long flat sections of asphalt, and on some of the long descents, but was grateful that there was a road up and over the Pyrenees!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.

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